Secure Your Computer

No operating system is perfect, and all of them, if not fully patched, are at risk of being exploited by hackers and viruses. On the other hand, a fully patched operating system can be the best first line of defense. An unpatched machine on the network is harmful not only to its user but to other computers on the network. For that reason, we require all machines on the network to have the latest patches as outlined in our Acceptable Use Policy.

To download updates immediately, go to Microsoft Windows Update for Windows based PCs. At times Microsoft will release an updated version of their Windows Update utility. Your version of windows must have the latest version of this update utility in order to recieve regular updates. Visiting the Microsoft Windows Update site will check your updater version and inform you if your utility is out of date.

For Mac OS X, updates are available through Apple's "Software Update" tool via the Apple Menu. Otherwise you can visit Apple Support.

We also recommend setting up your computer to automatically download and install updates as they are made available.

Keeping programs on your computer up-to-date is just as important as updating your operating system. Most malware use security vulnerabilities in your internet browser or internet plug-ins to infect your machine.

Web Browser Security

Today, popular web browsers such as Internet Explorer (8/9), Firefox, Safari, Chrome and Opera are known to be equally secure. While Internet Explorer was known to have many exploits, Microsoft has made many security improvements in their browser, and updates automatically with the latest security patches each month. Firefox has become the browser of choice for many students, and does not have as many security vulnerabilities as other browsers. However, updates to fix these vulnerabilities may not be available as quickly as other major browsers. Safari, Chrome and Opera are starting to gain more popularity as well. Your choice in web browser will ultimately be based on the features it provides.

Plugin Security

The most important action you take to keep your computer secure when browsing the web is to make sure your plugins stay up-to-date, including:

Adobe Flash

Adobe Acrobat

Quicktime

RealPlayer

Java

Many computers that become compromised with a virus are due to security vulnerabilities within these programs. Adobe has released security advisories for Flash in the past, stating that vulnerabilities exist that cause the infected computer to crash and allow an attacker to take control of the computer. Java can enhance the way you experience the web, but also comes with many security vulnerabilities that allow malicious code to run on your computer, infecting it in the process.

To prevent unauthorized access to your computer (hackers, malware, viruses), strong authentication must be used for all access. We recommend using a passphrase (a collection of words) instead of a password. A phrase is significantly more secure and is often easier to remember. Here are some examples.

"You can do the Boogie 2!"
"Call dad re: the party!"
"Pickles make me want to HURL."

Use the following guidelines to create your passphrase:

Do not use a famous quote or a well-known line from a song.

Make sure you can remember it.

Use characters from at least three of the following four groups: lower case letters, upper case letters, numbers, non-alphanumeric characters (!$@#,etc).

Here's how:

For Windows Vista: Windows Orb -> Control Panel -> User Accounts

Windows Vista

Log on with an Administrator privileges account

For each user account, click on the account name on the left and then click on "Create Password".

Type in the new password and confirm it. You may also provide a hint question or phrase.

Windows 7

Log on with an Administrator privileges account

For each user account, click on "Manage another account" and select the account.

Select "Create Password."

Type in the new password and confirm it. You may also provide a hint question or phrase.

For Macs:

Mac OS X

Your computer may allow other users to access files and folders on your computer and devices connected to your computer through file sharing. This ability to share files can be used to infect your computer with a virus or worm. By default, Windows XP allows for sharing. To check if your hard drives are shared go to "My Computer" and look at your hard drive icons. If any of them have an icon with a hand holding it the drive is shared.

Above: an example of a shared hard drive's icon.

If any of your drives are shared you will want to disable the share by right-clicking the drive and choosing "Sharing and Security":

Above: choose "Sharing and Security" to unshare a drive.

When you choose "Sharing and Security" a window will come up where you will want to uncheck "Share this folder on the network":

Above: the contents of this drive have been shared.

Once you have unchecked "Share this folder on the network" you will see this screen confirming that the contents of your hard drive are now secure:

A firewall serves as another line of defense between your computer and all the dangers waiting for you on the internet. It is kind of like the moat around your castle - you get to decide what comes in and what goes out. Windows Vista and Mac OS X both have built in firewalls. To enable your builtin firewall, follow these easy steps.

Windows Vista/7

Windows Orb -> Control Panel -> Windows Firewall

On the left side bar click "Turn Windows Firewall on or off"

Choose the "On (recommended)" option.

Click "Ok" to apply the settings to your computer

With Windows Firewall enabled, if you run internet connected software for the first time you may be asked to "Block" or "Unblock" the program from accessing the internet. In general, you should only allow programs to access the internet that you are familiar with. If you are not sure, block the software and check the company's website.

Mac OS X

What this will do: An updated anti-virus program will alert you when a potential threatening file is being downloaded onto your computer.

With over 100,000 new viruses in 2007 and analysts expecting this number to grow, virus signatures is the only way current A/V software can detect and remove new or evolved threats. Virus Scanners need to be updated constantly because new viruses are always emerging. Most A/V clients will update automatically when connected to the internet. Check your client settings to make sure this is performed on a daily basis. Also check your your subscription status for the expiration date. An expired subscription will not allow the client to receive regular virus signature updates. Without the latest virus signatures your A/V client will be ineffective.

Please keep in mind that when downloading any type of software, download from a credible source. For example, if you choose to download an anti virus software, download from the company's website or a credible third-party download site like Download.com. Downloading software from a non-credible source may potentially infect your computer with viruses and may make your computer vulnerable to security threats.

Back up documents and media to external USB drives or burn them to CD/DVD. You should make weekly backups of all important data. Also, make sure you have your original software start-up disks handy and available in the event your computer system files get damaged.